About the Program

The master's degree in strategic intelligence at Saint Louis University trains you
to understand the intersection of intelligence and policy. The focus of the program
goes beyond the grand plan needed to achieve strategy to examine the underlying logic
of the plan. This will enable you to adapt your education and skills to real world
scenarios that require both a technical analysis and an operational implementation.

As a student in our program, you will join a community of academics and practitioners
from around the world, giving you the opportunity to learn from and network with your
peers. Our students represent a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds,
including law enforcement, cybersecurity, emergency management, analytics, and military
and defense.

Designed for working professionals, our program is flexible and offered in 8-week
modules, allowing you to stay focused on your career as you are earning your degree.
Our online courses are delivered through the Blackboard Learning Management System,
and students can access course content 24/7 without having a specific class meeting
time. Using the latest video capture and discussion board technology, students are
required to meet and collaborate with instructors and classmates in an asynchronous
online format. To ensure individual attention and mentoring by our distinguished faculty,
we typically limit course sections to 20 students.

Offered in a completely online format, you can earn a graduate certificate that complements your master’s degree, often without
taking additional credit hours. This allows you to tailor the program to your specific
interests.

The Master of Science in Strategic Intelligence program offers graduate certificate
options that enable you to focus your studies and gain an additional academic credential
upon graduation. Students accepted into the M.S. in Strategic Intelligence may simultaneously
enroll in one of the following graduate certificates:

Graduates of the Master of Science in Strategic Intelligence program have the educational
foundation necessary to succeed as intelligence analysts and analytical leaders/managers
within defense and intelligence industries, criminal justice fields, and federal,
state and local agencies, such as the FBI, CIA, DIA, NGA and NSA.

Application Criteria

Students for this program must apply through SLU’s Office of Graduate Admission. Direct applications through the School for Professional Studies are not accepted.

Students must demonstrate:

Undergraduate degree with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Note: Applicants who have a GPA that is less than 3.0 will be considered on a case-by-case
basis, by considering the strength of the remaining components of their application.

Current employment (at least 20 hours per week) and have at least three years of aggregated
work experience.

Coursework in the following areas:

At least one course in information systems/technology or a programming language.

At least one basic statistics or research methods course.

Skills in using business productivity software and understanding of basic level software
installation and troubleshooting procedures.

You will also need the following items to apply:

Application Requirements

Application form and fee

Transcript(s) from all previous academic coursework from accredited institutions of
higher education

A 500-word personal statement articulating why a master's degree in strategic intelligence
is needed within your present or expected future career and how SLU's program will
help you meet that need.

Requirements for International Students

According to the requirements set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the
entirely online nature of this degree precludes international students from obtaining
an F1 (student) visa. If you are eligible to study within the United States, without
requiring an F1 visa, contact the program director to determine specific English proficiency
requirements that may apply.

Admission Deadline

Students should apply for the fall semester by July 1, for the spring semester by
Nov. 1 and for the summer session by April 1.